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It was 2012 in Christchurch, New Zealand when the Ico Traders brand was born.
As a Kiwi company, we try to keep as much of our process local as possible. Supporting New Zealand makers is important. Whenever we can, we choose to source and produce at home.
But the reality is, not every product can be made in New Zealand at a cost that works for our customers.
Where Ico Wire Furniture Is Made
Most of the Ico Traders wire furniture is manufactured in China. We have a trusted partner factory, specialising in precision wire bending & spot welding. As we have worked with the same small family run business since the beginning we have strong connections. It's a relationship that started over 13 years ago & we can truly call them friends.
Every chair or stool is crafted from dozens of individual wires, bent and welded with exacting care.
Originally we explored making these wire pieces in New Zealand, however, due to the high labour involved, the cost quickly became prohibitive. With every wire requiring spot welding, local production quotes pushed our furniture far beyond a reasonable price point. For example: The cheapest estimate to make 50 x Coromandel Chairs came in at over $1000.00 per chair. That is before zinc priming, powder coating, cost of accessories and packaging.
By producing offshore, we maintain:
• The structural integrity, craftsmanship and quality we’re known for
• An accessible price point
• A relationship with a trusted partner who specialise in complex wire welding
• The ability to apply custom finishes once they land in NZ
What’s Made in New Zealand?
Custom & accessory orders are fulfilled by work done locally:
• Custom powder coating is done right around the corner from us in Buchan St, Christchurch
• Cushions and chair pads are sewn right here in the Christchurch, just down the road on Colombo St
• We source our upholstery fabrics from James Dunlop Textiles, a Christchurch-based supplier
• The foam we use for cushioning is sourced from Wiggins in Christchurch
• The oak tops for the Willowby Hardtops are made for us in New Brighton, Christchurch
We try our best to strike a balance between global production and local care.
Why Local Still Matters
As a Kiwi company we remain committed to keeping as much of the process close to home as possible.
• Supporting local Christchurch craftspeople and fabricators
• Collaborating with NZ based textile experts
• Assembling products happens either buy you the consumer, or by us, here in our Christchurch warehouse.
This approach allows us to keep our footprint small, support other local businesses wherever we can and inject Kiwi character into every piece.
The Best of Both Worlds
We’re proud to offer:
• Wire furniture designed in New Zealand, built to last
• Quintessential New Zealand colours, hand mixed by Miranda & exclusive to Ico Traders
• Cushions and pads sewn locally, using premium fabrics
• Colour finishes customised in Christchurch to suit your space
• A price point that reflects our mission: beautiful, sustainable design, made more accessible
It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about doing things with intention, care, and creativity.
A Transparent Process
We’re committed to being open about where and how our products are made. By making our wire chairs in China and our cushions, colouring, and custom finishing in Christchurch, we’ve found a balance that works for both sustainability and affordability.
When you choose Ico Traders, you’re choosing a brand that values transparency, supports local suppliers, and designs with New Zealand living in mind.
Striking a Balance: Global Skill, Local Heart
Our process blends international expertise with local creativity. We’ve found a thoughtful way to stay connected to our New Zealand roots while ensuring our products are both high quality and fairly priced.
So while every wire may not originate here, our designs, finishes, textiles, and attention to detail absolutely do. What you see (and feel) is uniquely Ico designed for Aotearoa living, with care at every step.
